This book features anthropomorphic animals, which helps to distance the reader from the situation. Badger prepares his young friends for his imminent death and then begins the journey through the Long Tunnel, running freely for the first time in years. The animals, Badger's friends, gather to remember Badger, with special things and memories compromising Badger's parting gifts. Each animal shares what they had learnt from Badger: cutting paper chains of moles; ice-skating; knotting a tie; a gingerbread recipe. These gifts and memories enable them to appreciate Badger's life and help each other through the grieving process. Death is explained simply in the text: [d]ying meant only that [Badger] would leave his body behind.
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